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  • Warehouse Fulfillment Automation Trends To Watch In 2025

    Warehouse Fulfillment Automation Trends To Watch In 2025

    Since the late 1990s, eCommerce has evolved from a novelty into a dominant force in global retail, driven by advancements in secure online payment systems and logistics technology. As consumers prioritized convenience and cut back on trips to physical stores, businesses responded with more advanced e-comm stores, and increasingly automated fulfillment operations to keep pace with rising demand.

    This shift has accelerated the adoption of robotics, advanced inventory management systems, and high-speed order processing, making fulfillment faster and more precise. In this post, we’ll examine the latest innovations in warehouse automation and their impact on the future of e-commerce.

    What’s Driving Warehouse Fulfillment Automation in 2025

    In 2025, warehouse operators must adapt to rapidly changing customer expectations and technological advancement or risk falling behind. Here are the top trends shaping the future of warehousing:

    1. Robots & Their Implications On Picking Speed & Storage Density

    Shelf-To-Person/Goods-To-Person Picking

    The warehouse fulfillment automation industry was caught off guard in 2012 by Amazon’s acquisition of Kiva Systems for about $775M. Since then, many companies have tried to fill the gap and have developed new innovations.

    As automation is expected to see more widespread use in 2025, many businesses are taking small, targeted steps to enhance their operations. Mobile shelving—also known as shelf-to-person or goods-to-person picking—is set to become more common. These robotic systems can move physical shelving within the warehouse, bringing items to the picking staff, offering a practical way to boost efficiency without overhauling entire systems. 

    Warehouse Rendering

    This advanced approach utilizes automated mobile robots (AMRs) to bring inventory shelves or pallets directly to centralized picking stations. By removing the need for humans to traverse the aisles retrieving items, shelf-to-person systems “check all the boxes” for the challenges that warehouse operations professionals are looking to solve:

    • Reduce reliance on manual labor – Goods-to-Person robotics automate the retrieval and delivery of items, significantly decreasing the need for manual walking, lifting, and searching, allowing employees to focus on higher-value tasks.
    • Accelerate picking speeds – By bringing inventory directly to the operator, these systems eliminate travel time within the warehouse, enabling faster order fulfillment and reducing bottlenecks in high-demand periods. The software also slots multiple picks per rack presentation, further increasing pick speed and efficiency.
    • Minimize errors – With precise robotic handling and software-guided picking, the chances of human errors, such as mispicks or misplaced inventory, are greatly reduced, ensuring higher order accuracy.
    • Maximize storage density and efficiency – Robots travel beneath the racks, eliminating the need for aisles and allowing for a higher concentration of storage locations within the same square footage. By dynamically rearranging inventory based on demand, they further optimize vertical and horizontal space, maximizing warehouse capacity without requiring expansion.

    Powered by software intelligence that directs the robots, handles the slotting of the racks according to priority, and manages the flow of orders through the system, these systems are able to increase pick speed by achieving multiple picks per rack presentation to the operator. The bots operate continuously, adapting to changing demands in real time, re-arranging the racks according to order volume and seasonality.

    By taking this focused step toward automation in 2025, businesses are addressing rising order volumes and labor challenges while positioning themselves for long-term success.

    2. The Power Of A Solid Warehouse Software Stack

    ERP + WMS + TMS + WCS

    Seamless integration between ERP, WMS, TMS and WCS software ensures real-time data flow, enabling optimized inventory management, efficient order fulfillment, cost-effective transportation, and synchronized warehouse automation for maximum operational efficiency.

    Getting this software stack right is becoming increasingly important. The ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system centralizes business data, providing accurate inventory and order information that feeds into the WMS (Warehouse Management System) for precise stock tracking, picking, and storage optimization. The WMS then communicates with the TMS (Transportation Management System) to ensure efficient shipping decisions based on order destinations, carrier rates, and delivery timelines. The TMS works alongside the WCS (Warehouse Control System) to synchronize material handling automation, such as conveyors and sortation systems, ensuring seamless movement of goods from storage to outbound shipping.

    While businesses have relied on Warehouse Management Software (WMS) for years, forward-thinking managers are now choosing software that works more precisely for their unique operations. Enter Warehouse Control Software (WCS): the brain of modern fulfillment.

    Unlike WMS, which provides high-level inventory management, StreamTech’s Warehouse Control System (WCS) Software serves as the central hub of your fulfillment automation, seamlessly integrating and synchronizing various material handling systems within your warehouse.

    By acting as an intermediary between hardware automation equipment, control systems, and your order database, it ensures real-time management of operations such as picking, packing, shipping, and sortation. This centralized control facilitates efficient data flow and coordination enhancing overall operational efficiency. Additionally, StreamTech’s WCS software offers real-time monitoring capabilities, providing immediate insights into system performance and potential issues, which is crucial for maintaining smooth and efficient warehouse operations. StreamTech’s WCS, for example, offers:

    • Real-Time Oversight: Constantly monitors equipment and processes, providing alerts and live updates for seamless operations.
    • Dynamic Adjustments: Adapts workflows on the fly by modifying sortation rules, updating label templates, or redirecting printer signals.
    • Integrated Insights: Logs every order and tracks performance metrics through dashboards and reports, helping warehouses identify inefficiencies and optimize processes.

    This year we are seeing more warehouse operators seeking a solution for more stringent demand forecasting, inventory control, and supply chain transparency. Software is the answer.

    3. Dimensional Accuracy: The Key To Smarter Fulfillment

    For Inventory, Packaging, And Shipping

    We can’t predict how the economy will shift this year. That’s why this is the year to focus on what you can control: Precise dimensional (DIM) weight measuring. While it might seem like a small detail, getting accurate measurements of your packages for shipping can have a surprisingly large impact on your bottom line.

    Dimensional Accuracy In Inventory

    In a fulfillment automation warehouse, dimensional accuracy is key to optimizing storage, slotting, and order processing. Precise measurements ensure the WMS allocates space efficiently, preventing wasted capacity and incorrect packing decisions. Inaccurate dimensions can lead to delays, increased costs, and potential product damage.

    Cartonization and Right-Size Packaging

    Cartonization

    Cartonization selects the optimal box for an order, reducing waste, shipping costs, and packing time. Right-size packaging ensures products fit securely while minimizing material use. Automated systems improve this process, enhancing efficiency and sustainability by lowering excess packaging and shipping volume.

    Advanced right-size packaging systems, such as trey erectors, random carton erectors, or robots that select the appropriate carton based on the order, take this a step further by constructing boxes to fit the exact dimensions of the items inside. These systems eliminate the need for excess void fill, reduce material costs, and optimize dimweight for shipping. With growing environmental concerns, legislation may soon require businesses to use packaging that closely matches product dimensions, pushing fulfillment centers to adopt automated right-sizing solutions to stay compliant and cost-efficient.

    Dimweight For Outbound Shipping

    Dimensional Weight (dimweight) affects shipping costs, as carriers charge based on volume, not just weight. Oversized boxes increase fees, making dimweight optimization crucial. Accurate dimensions and automated cartonization help minimize costs, ensuring efficienct, cost-effective shipping while maintaining package integrity.

    By automating DIM weight calculations, businesses can leverage thorough data, eliminate human error, and move faster. Equipment like StreamTech’s Sprinter™ can scan, weigh, measure dimensions, and print and apply labels for between 600 and 1,000 boxes per hour, without making a mistake. This level of automation allows you to:

    • Reduce Costs: Optimize DIM weight to avoid overpaying carrier fees.
    • Avoid Chargebacks: Eliminate penalties from inaccurate or incomplete data.
    • Boost Efficiency: Automate processes like scanning, weighing, and labeling.
    • Optimize Packaging: Minimize wasted space with smarter cartonization.
    • Choose Smarter Shipping: Enable real-time carrier rate comparisons for cost savings.

    In 2025, leading businesses are taking control of the aspects they can, and DIM weight automation is a simple, yet powerful, first step.

    4. The Rise Of Personalized Order Experiences

    Last, But Ultimately The Most Important

    All of the above trends are designed to accomplish our last trend – delightful experiences for the end customer. Each year brings an increased demand for, and ability to, customize each shipment for the end customer. Personalization in packaging, shipping, and delivery is no longer a luxury—it’s a driver of customer satisfaction and loyalty. Leveraging subscription box packing software, warehouse technology, and data, businesses are enhancing the unboxing experience in 2025.

    Branded packaging and personal touches, for example, create memorable unboxing moments. Right-sized packaging machinery with inkjet printing can feature logos, colors, and custom messages, while automated systems add personalized notes or full-color inserts that make customers feel valued.

    Loyalty program integration takes engagement further by including QR codes or labels on packaging that link to loyalty accounts. Customers can check points, redeem rewards, and access exclusive offers. Inserts highlighting member-only events or benefits enhance exclusivity and encourage repeat purchases.

    Product information inserts build trust by offering usage tips, care instructions, or brand stories within the packaging. These additions educate customers and deepen their connection to the brand.

    Personalized delivery windows add convenience, especially for subscription services. By integrating advanced Transportation Management Systems (TMS) with customer data, businesses can offer flexible delivery schedules tailored to individual preferences.

    In 2025, customers are no longer viewing customization as an enhancement; it’s an expected component of a meaningful customer experience.

    Subscription Box

    Moving Forward With Warehousing Innovation

    Warehouse fulfillment has always been a center of innovation, and in 2025, the pace will only accelerate. By embracing automation trends such as DIM weight optimization, shelf-to-person picking systems, Warehouse Control Software (WCS), and personalized order fulfillment, businesses can stay ahead in an increasingly competitive e-commerce landscape.

    StreamTech is at the forefront of these innovations, helping businesses implement cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs. Ready to embrace the future of warehousing? Contact us today to discuss how we can help you stay competitive and efficient in a rapidly changing market.

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  • 3 Unexpected Ways Automating DIM Weight Controls Costs

    3 Unexpected Ways Automating DIM Weight Controls Costs

    While there are a lot of elements to running a distribution warehouse—labor, accuracy, speed, costs—at the end of the day, it is a business controlled almost entirely by dimensions. The dimensions of the space in your warehouse, of the items in your racks, down to the dimensions of each box, and even the dimensions of the truck that takes each order away…all of these need to be measured accurately in order to plan effectively.

    In other words, controlling these elements is critical to running a successful distribution and fulfillment center, and if not kept in check, you’ll find these dimensions controlling you. What do we mean by this?

    Take something simple, like packing and shipping. At first glance, it might appear that little can be done about costs here: Customers today expect free shipping, and yet carrier costs are significant, even when everything runs smoothly. Problems like inaccurate measurements of dimension and weight, or using the wrong packaging, can incur stiff penalties…making shipping even more expensive.

    While you might not have much control over the dimensions or weight of your products, getting accurate measurements of your packages for shipping—that is, getting a handle on the dim weight—can be a surprisingly effective way of controlling hidden shipping costs and chargebacks. This is made possible through the use of automated DIM weight equipment.

    Understanding Carrier Costs and DIM Weight

    To understand where some avoidable shipping costs are hiding, it helps to review how DIM weight works.

    Dimensional weight (DIM weight) is a method of pricing based on measuring a package’s volume in relation to its actual weight. Carriers adopted DIM weight as the standard for shipping charges to optimize the space in their vehicles.

    DIM weight is calculated with a simple mathematical formula:

    (length X width X depth) / DIM divisor

    The DIM divisor, also called the DIM factor, is a value set by carriers and represents cubic inches per pound. For example, the current DIM divisor for UPS and FedEx is 139, while the DIM divisor for USPS domestic priority mail is 194.

    Thus, DIM weight is determined by getting the volume of the package (based on its dimensions) and then dividing by the DIM divisor, which is then rounded to the nearest whole number. Charges are based on the resulting DIM weight or the actual weight, whichever is greater.

    Example: A box measuring 10” X 12” X 8” has a DIM weight of 7 pounds. (10 X 12 X 8)/139 = 6.9, rounded to 7. Pricing is based on 7 pounds, even if the actual weight is less. However, if the actual weight is 8 pounds or more, pricing is calculated by that number.

    Carriers use DIM Weight because it affects how much cargo they can plan to carry in their trucks (planes, etc.). Reporting the dimensions of a package to the carrier is a key to their efficiency, and so they set up incentives to do this accurately. (This is also an argument for why you need a multi-carrier TMS that can connect your fulfillment systems.)

    All that said, there can be more to your overall shipping bill than simply DIM weight charges. This is especially true for warehouses that work at scale: A few dollars per shipment might not make a difference when sending a dozen packages in a day, but when sending hundreds or thousands, small fees and pricing inefficiencies add up quickly.

    1. Avoid Chargebacks

    If a company records the wrong dimensions or weight on an outgoing package, or only lists dimension or weight but not both, two things can happen: The carrier will adjust the base charge accordingly using DIM weight, and they may also charge an additional fee (chargeback) per parcel that has missing or incorrect information. (Note that the process of correcting this can potentially delay the shipment, too.) Relying on your vendors’ inventory master lists for dimensions and weight can be problematic here—if their data is wrong, you could be paying for their mistakes! (Again, not having control of your dimensions means you will find these dimensions controlling you.)

    Fee amounts vary by shipper and fluctuate over time, but range from about $1 per package to 5% or 6% of the amount of the price adjustment. Regardless of how they are calculated, chargebacks can accumulate fast as throughput increases.

    We integrate dimensioning cameras and light curtain dimensioning systems into our shipping systems regularly.

    For all but the smallest companies, trying to accurately measure and weigh packages by hand is a non-starter. The most basic advantages of adding DIM weight machines are that they provide thorough data and eliminate human error. They can also go much faster than any manual system. Equipment like StreamTech’s Sprinter™ can scan, weigh, measure dimensions, and print and apply labels for between 600 and 1,000 boxes per hour, without making a mistake.

    2. Right-Size Packaging

    Another source of unexpected shipping fees is a handling surcharge for packages that exceed size or weight limits, or that are not in a squared box. For example, boxes heavier than 50 pounds, or measuring more than 48 inches on the longest side, can trigger surcharges of hundreds of dollars from FedEx.

    While the size of parcels can’t always be controlled, making sure to use the smallest box possible will help. We’ve all laughed when a huge box arrives at our doorstep, with one small item inside, accompanied by lots of void fill. This is obviously not efficient.

    In many fulfillment operations, the selection of the right box size (called cartonization) is left up to an operator’s sole discretion during the packout process. A material handling systems integrator such as StreamTech, can use a cartonization algorithm integrated right into our Warehouse Control System software (WCS) and take this guesswork out of the process.

    Ideally, various types of packaging equipment should be integrated which can build a box on-demand to match the size of each order. Some systems employ complex machines to build a box around each item; others build a cardboard tray, then add a lid, and still others employ robotic arms to select each box. StreamTech Engineering can work with you to help find the right equipment for your operation, all designed to control the dimensions of each box.

    Automating these processes also gives managers the tools to make better, more cost-effective packaging and shipping decisions. Perhaps orders might be split into two or more cartons so they’re not overweight, disassembled to fit in a smaller box, or more suited to an alternative packing material like a padded envelope.

    Optimizing cartonization eliminates wasted space in each parcel and minimizes the DIM weight—and therefore shipping charges. You’ll know ahead of time that something is heavy enough or big enough for surcharges to kick in, instead of being surprised with an invoice.

    3. Rate Shopping By Carrier

    Another way that automating DIM weight helps the bottom line is by allowing carrier rate shopping in real time.

    Carriers differ in their pricing models and requirements, and fees change frequently. StreamTech’s WCS software has the ability to integrate with multi-carrier TMS software. Together with accurate, automated DIM weight data, the warehouse system can automatically scan the various shipping options available, choosing the carrier that offers the best price (along with other criteria, like on-time records and return stats). Once chosen, the system can create and affix the appropriate label, further streamlining the process.


    Over time, this kind of rate shopping will allow your fulfillment center to find ways to use your annual carrier spend more efficiently, and without massive manual intervention.

    Take Control of DIM Weight Before It Takes Control of You

    Fulfillment centers live and die by dimensions; taking control of their measurement and use means controlling a large part of your costs.
    Here we’ve seen how automating DIM weight calculation minimizes the human error in weight and dimension estimation, allowing companies to avoid unexpected surcharges and maintain more predictable shipping costs. Additionally, the real-time rate shopping and automated labeling eliminate time-consuming steps, freeing warehouse staff to focus on higher-value tasks. StreamTech’s WCS software ensures that each shipment meets carrier specifications for both price and performance, enabling consistent, cost-effective delivery and enhancing customer satisfaction.

    And while measuring DIM weight may not seem like a top priority when deciding how to automate your warehouse, implementing dimensioning equipment can have a relatively large impact. When every package can be scanned, weighed, and measured efficiently, ensuring that only accurate information is provided to the carrier, things like chargebacks, special handling fees, and bad packaging decisions become a thing of the past.

    Fill out the form below or call us to discuss how StreamTech can help.

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  • Personalized Order Fulfillment Is The Future Of E-Commerce Customer Experiences

    Personalized Order Fulfillment Is The Future Of E-Commerce Customer Experiences

    In today’s rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, custom order fulfillment is no longer an emerging trend—they’re a necessity. Consumers crave interactions that feel personal, unique, and intimately aligned with their preferences. From the products on their screens, to the pack slips that are carefully placed in their orders, there’s a growing expectation that businesses should “know” their customers.

    To build personal relationships with your customers, you must customize each step of the buyer’s journey. It’s not just about getting a package from point A to point B; it’s about showing your customers that you understand them—curated product recommendations, finely-tuned marketing messages, and a custom order fulfillment process.

    What is a “Personalized Order Experience”?

    Personalization of the order experience involves both the e-commerce shopping process, as well as the delivery, packaging and unboxing experience physically.

    Online shopping does not happen in a data-less vacuum. Today, the e-commerce experience is tailored specifically to the customer, whether by their browsing cache, or by the information they provide willingly through a membership account – their age, purchase history, product “likes”, and more. All these elements allow an e-commerce company to build a profile around each customer. Using this data, companies can recommend products, sizes, colors, styles and flavors that line up well with what each customer will like.

    By considering a customer’s past purchase history, retailers can make product recommendations, create personalized marketing materials, deliver during customer-preferred times and much more. By showing your customers that they are valued and understood, this type of personalization can lead to increased loyalty, larger order sizes, more frequent orders, and more word of mouth promotion.

    Personalization in the Order Fulfillment Process:

    By leveraging subscription box packing software, warehouse technology, and data, businesses can carefully curate the fulfillment process and unboxing experience for each customer. In this section, we’ll explore the specific methods used to achieve this personal touch along with examples of each method in practice.

    Branded Packaging

    Designing unique and attractive packaging that carries your brand’s logo, colors, and messaging can leave a lasting impression on customers. Right-size packaging machinery can be leveraged for efficient and cost-effective branding. These machines, including case, tray, or random carton erectors, are equipped with color inkjet technology to seamlessly print visual elements on the box.

    Scenario: “Bean Brews” Online Coffee Shop
    Carlos loves trying new coffee blends. This month, he orders from “Bean Brews” for the first time and is surprised when his monthly coffee order arrives in a beautifully designed box. The box is personalized with his name and “Carlos’s Exclusive Brew Selection”.

    Each coffee bag inside is wrapped and labeled with details about the blend, making Carlos feel like he’s received a custom package just for him. This personal touch makes Carlos a fan of “Bean Brews” – he’s not just likely to order again, but he’s also going to tell his friends about this unique unboxing experience.

    “Handwritten” Notes

    Including a note from the team who fulfills the products is a subtle yet powerful way to enhance the customer experience. These can even be styled to look like a handwritten font. It transforms a standard transaction into a personalized shopping experience, building a connection between the brand and the customer. These can be automated via a thermal printer, or a full page document insert system – even with color.

    • Thank You Notes: A simple message expressing gratitude for the customer’s purchase. It can be generic or tailored to the individual, mentioning specific products bought or occasions celebrated.
    • Custom Recommendations: These notes can suggest additional products that complement the customer’s purchase, based on their buying patterns or preferences.
    • Special Occasions: Recognizing and celebrating a customer’s milestones, like birthdays or anniversaries, with special offers or messages.


    Scenario: “Vital Fit” Supplement Company
    Deshaun orders protein powder and a pre-workout supplement from “Vital Fit” online. When he receives his order, there’s a note that looks handwritten, from the warehouse team member who fulfilled the order, making the message feel personal. It thanks Deshaun for his order and suggests he follow “@VitalFitChampions” on Instagram for workout tips. He scans the QR code on the note, lands on the Instagram page, and finds a host of useful workout content. The personal touch in the note makes Deshaun feel valued and more connected to the Vital Fit brand.


    Gift Message Inserts

    When a customer selects a product to purchase as a gift, they may have the option during the online checkout process to add a personalized message. This could be a congratulatory note, birthday wishes, anniversary sentiments, or any other customized content that adds a personal touch to the gift.

    Document automation systems can streamline the inclusion of personalized messages in the custom order fulfillment process, ensuring they are added accurately and efficiently. These messages can be printed in various formats, including full-page, color, or thermal printed, to fit different presentation preferences and budgets.

    Scenario: “Blossom & Bloom” Online Flower Shop
    Alice orders a bouquet from “Blossom & Bloom” for her mom’s birthday and sees an option to include a personal note. She writes a heartfelt message, which the company prints on an elegant card, thanks to their automated system. When the flowers arrive, her mom finds the card among the blooms, making the gift extra special. The personalized touch enhances the experience for both Alice and her mom, making them more likely to choose “Blossom & Bloom” for future flower deliveries.

    Loyalty Program & Rewards

    Enterprise software platforms will have the ability to track customer profiles and tie into customer loyalty programs. These types of points programs are becoming very common – but not every retailer has incorporated them into the final order fulfillment process.

    Incorporating loyalty programs directly into product packaging is a strategic move for businesses to promote engagement and encourage repeat purchases. This approach integrates reminders of the rewards and benefits customers gain by staying loyal to a brand.

    • Labels and QR Codes: These can be affixed to the packaging, leading customers directly to their loyalty account where they can view accumulated points, redeem rewards, or explore exclusive offers.
    • Exclusive Access Notifications: The parcel can also include inserts about exclusive access events or products available only to loyalty program members. This not only adds value but fosters a sense of exclusivity and privilege.


    Scenario: “Glam Glow” Beauty & Skincare Store
    Hannah, a loyal customer of “Glam Glow,” orders her usual skincare products. When her package arrives, she finds a personalized card thanking her for being a part of the “Glowing Star” loyalty program. Inside the box, there’s also a small card showing the loyalty stars she earned from this purchase and her total star count, along with a QR code for easy access to her loyalty account. To her delight, there’s an exclusive sample of a new product included, just for loyalty members like her. These personalized touches make Hannah feel valued and deepen her connection to “Glam Glow.”

    Product Information Inserts

    These types of inserts can enhance the customer experience by providing valuable information, tips, and stories directly within the product packaging. These inserts not only educate the customer, but also build a deeper connection between them and the brand.

    • Product Usage Tips: These are tailored instructions or tips to help customers make the most out of their purchases. It might include creative ways to use the product, tips for maintenance, or suggestions for optimal use to ensure durability and performance.
    • Care Instructions: Specific guidelines on how to care for the product, enhancing its lifespan and maintaining quality. Especially important for clothing, accessories, and items that require maintenance.
    • Brand Stories: Sharing the brand’s journey, values, or the inspiration behind specific products. This can create an emotional connection and offer customers insights into the brand’s ethos and uniqueness.


    Scenario: “Urban Tannery” Leather Goods
    Ravi purchases a premium leather wallet online. When they receive their order, inside the packaging, along with the wallet, is a beautifully designed insert. It offers tips on caring for the leather to maintain its finish and durability. There’s also a section that shares the story of how the “Urban Tannery” wallets are handcrafted by artisans using traditional methods.

    Ravi appreciates these extra touches. The care tips are helpful, and learning about the brand’s craftsmanship and values gives them a deeper appreciation for their purchase. It’s not just a wallet; it’s a product with a story, and Ravi feels more connected to the brand.

    Personalized Delivery Windows

    Personalized Delivery Windows are becoming an integral aspect of the e-commerce fulfillment process, especially for subscription-based services. By utilizing an advanced Transportation Management System (TMS) software and integrating it with customer data, businesses can offer their subscribers the flexibility to choose their preferred day of the week for deliveries. This personalization caters to the customer’s convenience, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.

    Scenario: “Fresh Fare” A Gourmet Meal Kit Delivery Service
    Jordan subscribes to “Fresh Fare” for weekly meal kit deliveries. He chooses Friday evenings for delivery, thanks to the service’s option for personalized delivery windows. “Fresh Fare” uses a special system to make sure each package arrives exactly when the customer prefers. One week, a work commitment pops up for Jordan, so he quickly switches the delivery to Saturday morning using the “Fresh Fare” app. The package arrives right on time. This flexibility and customization make Jordan an even bigger fan of “Fresh Fare.”

    Conclusion

    With the e-commerce space getting more and more crowded by the minute, adding a personal touch to each order is key. Custom order fulfillment can enhance the overall buying journey from the first click to the final unboxing. It fosters deeper connections, leading to increased loyalty, more frequent business, and a notable rise in customer retention.

    The big takeaway? Personalization isn’t just a passing phase, it’s the golden ticket to stay ahead in the game – and adding these touches does not have to cripple your fulfillment team. With automated technologies, personalization can be built into your operation.

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  • Carriers Are Charging By Dimweight – Here’s Why That Matters

    Carriers Are Charging By Dimweight – Here’s Why That Matters

    What Is Dimweight?

    Dimensional (DIM) weight, also known as volumetric weight is a pricing technique for commercial freight transport. This method uses an estimated weight that is calculated from the length, width, and height of a package. The air freight industry initially created DIM weight measurement. Low-weight packages that took up a lot of space were costing carriers revenue. To solve this problem dimensional weight was created which bases weight on the volume of the container. This is known as charging by dimweight.

    The Formula Looks Like This:

    (L x W x H) / DIM

    A growing number of ground trucking companies have adopted dimweight. If you are considering fulfilling e-commerce orders through a carrier that utilizes DIM weight, it is vital to get the measurements correct. To get the biggest bang for your buck, you would be wise to spend time analyzing box sizes, and also researching which products fit into which container.

    The Cost Of Not Dimensioning:

    Chargebacks are the main driver for incorporating dimensioning solutions with the overall SLAM system (as well as weigh, scan, print/apply). As carriers/shippers have incorporated stricter rules, there are added costs for parcels that exceed certain lengths as well as weights and chargebacks for inaccuracies. Chargebacks exceed the costs associated with just doing it right the first time.

    UPS charges an additional $1 fee per package if the inaccuracies on the total of your packages in a given shipment pickup amount to over $5 average per package.  A traditional fishing pole example – it’s super lightweight but very long.  If shipped based on weight alone, there would be a carrier chargeback.  For more details on these costs, check out this post from ShipWorks, a multi-carrier software provider.

    How Can You Streamline This Process?

    Getting the data correctly is a must for optimizing costs and fulfillment, but what happens if you get it wrong? The short story is you get charged. As the e-commerce industry evolves so does the cost related to fulfilling these orders. Increased prices cut into the margins for sales which means mistakes are now a direct cost to the shipper.

    Capturing all of this data and getting it correct is time-consuming and stressful. If you are now asking yourself, “How do I solve this problem?”, You are in the right place. StreamTech has successfully designed and implemented shipping automation systems that not only weigh but dimension and get it right every time.

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  • 6 Signs You Should Invest In eCommerce Fulfillment Automation

    6 Signs You Should Invest In eCommerce Fulfillment Automation

    Distribution has gone through an evolution in the past two decades. This is mainly due to eCommerce order fulfillment. These changes have affected the entire supply chain. According to Statista, in 2017 online retail accounted for 9% of all retail sales in the United States. This may seem like a low number, but year over year this statistic is estimated to grow exponentially. About 70% of Americans will make an online purchase in 2018, contributing $461 billion in retail sales. Should you invest in eCommerce fulfillment automation?

    Manufacturers that in the past shipped pallet quantities are now becoming single-item parcel shippers. This is a significant result of their big-box retail customers asking them to transform into online order fulfillment extensions of their warehouses and stores. Distributors that used to sell to retailers are opening up their own eCommerce stores, either on Amazon, or eBay, or setting up their own websites. Retailers are shifting their efforts to sell via the internet.

    Abilities are stretched, often to the breaking point, causing disappointed customers or unprofitable growth. Automating eCommerce fulfillment processes can provide many solutions to these headaches.

    Learn About eCommerce Packing Stations

    Signs That It’s Time To Invest In eCommerce Fulfillment Automation:

    1. Direct Labor Has Gone Extinct

    Reducing human manual labor and replacing it with robots is always a tricky subject to approach. Automating your process doesn’t necessarily mean layoffs. Reallocating this manpower is also part of the equation for implementing a successful automation fulfillment process.

    2. Shipping Peaks Are The Elephant In The Room

    An influx of orders can be unexpected. Imagine just finishing Thanksgiving dinner only to realize your eComm site is flooded with orders. You are now faced with the task of getting these orders fulfilled correctly and out the door on time. Why not invest in a fulfillment automation integrator that you know will handle this flawlessly? You can now have your cake and eat it too!

    3. Customers Expected Their Items Yesterday

    A satisfied customer can mean good reviews, recurring revenue, and brand loyalty. We now live in a world where I can hop on a majority of websites. Search for what I want and have my item in less than a week or even better 2 days. Informing your customer of an expected wait time, allowing for tracking as well as getting their order right all play into the ultimately satisfied customer. Unfortunately, maintaining all these variables also leaves more room for an unsatisfied customer.

    4. Your Throughput Could Use An Energy Drink

    Orders are coming in, and you only have so many hands and time in a day. Meanwhile, the recurring thought is, “If only we could work twice as fast in half the time.” Cue mistakes, burnout, and turnover. Automating your fulfillment process will free up manpower to attend to see the bigger picture.

    5. You Have To Send Out A Search Party For Your Returns Department

    As humans, the error is inevitable. Mistakes happen. If you are processing an abundant amount of returns/refunds due to pick-and-pack mistakes, damaged items, or missed shipping deadlines this could be a big sign the time has come to look at taking the human factor out and implementing a streamlined approach.

    6. People Are Asking Where The Flood Is

    Your location is too small. You are climbing on top of each other just to make it work. Space is expensive. Plain and simple who wouldn’t want to consolidate their operation if they had the resources? (And maybe with the money you saved you can afford to buy new pants too!)

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  • Four Ways The IOT Is Changing The Face Of Fulfillment

    Four Ways The IOT Is Changing The Face Of Fulfillment

    “Like any company that blissfully ignored the Internet at the turn of the century, the ones that dismiss the Internet of Things risk getting left behind.” —Fast Company

    Internet of Things (IOT) technology is transforming ways in which automation systems are installed, and maintained — and the way customers can tap in to maximize their value. Whether you are evaluating more fulfillment automation technology for your operation or DC, or have already made a recent investment – be sure to understand and leverage the value to help reduce costs, increase throughput, and better understand your business.

    Commissioning Times Are Being Slashed

    To generate value, today’s systems typically contain a wide variety of technologies – labeling, conveyors, scales, machine vision, dimensioners, and warehouse control system software. But implementing these systems no longer requires an onsite army of specific experts. Now, the commissioning technicians can be supported virtually: Developers, Scanner Experts, Controls Engineers, and Scale Technicians, for example. The customer gets the benefit of multiple resources all working in parallel with reduced travel expenses. An individual team member can be tapped briefly and fluidly for specific knowledge. All of this combines to help you get your system up quicker and at a lower cost.

    Intermittent Problems Are Solved Quickly

    Ever had a car with a problem that seemed to hide while at the dealer? Me too!! In our industry, it’s the bug that disappears when we are watching onsite or remotely. StreamTech creates virtual ‘robots’ that monitor input and communications data to flush out and resolve those once-in-while problems. This may take the form of a machine vision system monitoring label placement or a process that looks for intermittent communication losses. Either way, it’s a lot more fun and cheaper than waiting and watching.

    Systems Are Maintaining Themselves

    As customer requirements become more demanding, we continue to add clever ways to save customer maintenance and operational resources. The proliferating number of sensors means that the systems can self-diagnose to save resources:

    • Labelers request more labels; turn themselves off while their siblings pick up the load.
    • Areas of the system are de-energized automatically when not in use
    • Electrical and compressed air utilities are monitored and the system compensates or stops when parameters are out of bounds.
    • Auto-request of print heads when scan rates start to decline
    • The system asks for a routine check of a drive roller with a higher-than-normal current.
    • Smart Exception Management – identifying if it’s a random event, or indicative of a sudden problem.

    Rich Data Streams Are Available And Readily Mined For Insight

    StreamTech monitors and displays a wide variety of statistical and operational data for consumption through our standard and customized reports. Reviewing this data provides insight into both the system’s health and how your business operates. This data can be promulgated to your senior managers’ desks through remote StreamTech workstations, or captured of the data into your in-house systems. Studying this data can allow you to extend the life of your system by optimizing its peak periods and how to best operate the system for maximum throughput and efficiency.

    Order Fulfillment IOT Takeaways:

    • Purchase Evaluation:  How does the proposed system include connectivity that can be leveraged to reduce cost and increase functionality? What’s available as a standard?
    • Implementation:  Maintenance and users understand how to leverage intelligence in the system to reduce downtime, and anticipate service.
    • Operational/Ongoing:  Ensure system generated data conveniently available and summarized so it can be promulgated and re-purposed. Management engagement and use in planning.

    Learn more about StreamTech’s fulfillment automation technologies and how we take advantage of intelligent Warehouse Control System software to optimize your productivity and increase throughput.

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